17 Best Drugstore Shampoos Approved By Trichologists In 2024

When you spend so much time, money, and effort on your hair, including cutting, coloring, and chemical treatments, it makes sense that you use the most expensive shampoo to take care of your mane. But the best drugstore shampoos with high-quality ingredients can also give you the same benefits while keeping you safe from the effects of harsh and harmful chemicals.

You don’t always have to splurge on expensive high-end shampoos to keep your hair healthy and nourished. There are plenty of good drugstore shampoos made with the best ingredients that offer the same benefits. They keep your hair shiny, healthy and nourished. Here is our review of some cosmetologist-approved drugstore brand shampoos that you can trust to work wonders for your crowning glory.

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In This Article

17 Best Drugstore Shampoos For Every Hair Type In 2024

1. Best Overall: Nizoral Ketoconazole Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

4.5
Nizoral Ketoconazole Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Image: Nizoral

Get your hair clean and dandruff-free with this powerful drugstore shampoo that prevents scaling, flaking, and itching caused by dandruff. This salon-tested clean shampoo is extremely gentle and contains ketoconazole 1%, which is known to be ten times more effective in removing dandruff than the active ingredients in other dandruff shampoos. Ideal for gray, chemically-treated, and colored hair, you need to use it just twice a week in between your regular shampoos. It has a rich, thick lather that leaves your hair smelling clean and fresh. This seven-ounce bottle starts showing visible results after the very first use, as it gets to the root of the problem and kills the fungus that causes dandruff. This video will provide you with added insights about Nizoral Ketoconazole Anti-Dandruff Shampoo.

Hair Type: All | Product Dimensions: 1.54 x 2.99 x 7.17 inches | Weight: 7 Ounces

Pros

  • Controls hair loss from dandruff
  • Makes hair manageable
  • Adds shine
  • Suitable for men and women

Cons

  • Some may experience dry hair
  • May not suit all hair types

Our Tester's Experience

"This product delivers noticeable results from the first few uses. It helps with flakes and itchiness. I plan to keep using it."


protip_icon Point to consider
Do not use hot water for shampooing, as it can further dry out the scalp and worsen flaking.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The whopping 70,099 positive reviews on Amazon reflect the superior quality of this product.

2. Best Frizz Eliminates Shampoo: Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo

4.6
Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo Image: Olaplex

This wonderful 8.5-ounce shampoo is one of the best drugstore shampoos that repairs, strengthens, and hydrates all hair types, and is highly moisturizing, leaving your hair shiny, manageable, and healthier with every use. The color-safe shampoo reduces breakage, maintains and repairs bonds within the hair, and eliminates flyaway and frizzy hair, making it a recommended product of hair health experts.

Its result-driven ingredient, bis-aminopropyl dimaleate, works on a molecular level to repair broken and damaged bonds caused by thermal, chemical, and mechanical damage. This tested drugstore shampoo contains no parabens, sulfates, phthalates, gluten, DEA, aldehydes, formaldehyde, or phosphates and is a safe choice for all hair types. Take a look at this review video to know more about the frizzy hair shampoo.

Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 2.2 x 2.2 inches | Weight: 8.82 Ounces

Pros

  • No animal testing
  • pH-balanced
  • Vegan formula
  • Reduces split ends
  • Nut-free

Cons

  • May leave the hair dry
  • Might leave residue on some hair types

Our Tester's Experience

"This shampoo exceeded my expectations and is one of the best shampoos I've used to date. It left my hair silkier than ever. It lathers well, causes minimal irritations, and I like the pleasant scent."


Why We Think It's Worth Buying

About 52,510 reviewers on Amazon have given their seal of approval to the product.

3. Best Anti-Dandruff Shampoo: Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo

4.5
Neutrogena T/Gel Extra Strength Therapeutic Shampoo Image: Neutrogena

True to its name, this six-ounce bottle of one of the best drugstore shampoos heals your scalp of conditions like a flaky, itchy scalp and redness and gives lasting relief from chronic seborrheic dermatitis, scalp psoriasis, and common dandruff. This medicated, dermatologist-recommended sensitive skin shampoo contains Neutar technology with one-percent coal tar extract that heals your scalp for hours after use. Its extra-strong and effective formula with added conditioners cleanses your hair gently and leaves it beautifully soft and manageable. Its effect is visible after just one use and can be used once a week. Here’s a review video summarizing the features of this scalp care shampoo.

Hair Type: Dry | Product Dimensions: 1.28 x 2.38 x 7.25 inches | Weight: 6.24 Ounces

Pros

  • Controls inflammatory scalp conditions
  • Provides lasting relief
  • Controls overproduction of scalp skin cells
  • A salon-quality product
  • Affordably-priced shampoo

Cons

  • Some may find the smell overpowering
  • Might make the hair dry

Our Tester's Experience

"The shampoo is a convenient choice for hair cleansing. Although the smell may not appeal to everyone, I can't deny its efficacy. It has made my hair silky smooth."


Nizoral Ketoconazole Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Best Overall
Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
Best Frizz Eliminates Shampoo
Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo
Best Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Hair Type All - Dry
Dimensions 1.54 x 2.99 x 7.17 inches 5.2 x 2.2 x 2.2 inches 1.28 x 2.38 x 7.25 inches
Weight 7 Ounces 8.82 Ounces 6.24 Ounces
Rating
Reviews70,09952,51016,173
Price$26.83$30.0$8.9

4. Best Anti-Hair Loss Shampoo: Pura D’or Biotin Original Gold Label Anti-Thinning Shampoo & Conditioner Set

4.2
Pura D’or Biotin Original Gold Label Anti-Thinning Shampoo & Conditioner Set Image: Purad'or

Known to reduce the thinning of hair, this drugstore shampoo and conditioner with a plant-based formula are packed with 17 herbal DHT ingredients. It makes the hair fuller and thicker after just a few applications and helps prevent breakage, making it a nice addition to your hair care routine. It’s a powerhouse of essential vitamins which hydrate the scalp and make your hair more manageable by reducing dryness and brittleness.

It is enriched with active and clean ingredients such as biotin, argan oil, nettle extract, saw palmetto, red Korean seaweed, black cumin seed, aloe vera, and tea tree oil. The professional-grade ingredients of this hypoallergenic shampoo reduce damage caused by external factors, cleanse the scalp, strengthen the hair, and improve the overall health of your hair.

Hair Type: Thin | Product Dimensions: 3 x 6 x 7.5 inches | Weight: 1 Pounds

Pros

  • Vegan and cruelty-free
  • Environment-friendly
  • Free of parabens and SLS
  • Zero artificial preservatives
  • Suitable for men and women

Cons

  • Some may find the smell unpleasant
  • Might not be suitable for curly hair

Our Tester's Experience

"This all-natural blend has improved the health of my hair while adding volume without excessive oiliness. It has become an inseparable part of my beauty regimen."


Why We Think It's Worth Buying

Over 18,217 Amazon shoppers have left good reviews about this product, citing its quality features and benefits.

5. Best Paraben-Free Shampoo: Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Shampoo

4.5
Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Shampoo Image: Paul Mitchell

There is nothing to beat the luxurious lather, refreshing scent, and pleasant moisturizing experience of this gentle shampoo. It contains Hawaiian awapuhi in its formula, which helps to prevent moisture loss, thoroughly cleanses your hair, and removes dullness by removing residue build-up. The shampoo and conditioner have a lovely cucumber melon fragrance with subtle floral notes of water flower and violet.

This 10.14-ounce bottle of shampoo is suitable for all hair types, including colored hair, fine hair, and static-prone hair, and its gentle cleansing makes it perfect for everyday use. It contains special conditioners and plant-based ingredients like aloe vera, jojoba, white ginger, rosemary, and algae extract for visible results. This versatile vegan shampoo can also double up as a luxurious body wash.

Hair Type: Ideal for All Hair Types, Especially Fine + Static-Prone Hair | Product Dimensions: 1.92 x 1.92 x 8.5 inches | Weight: 11.84 Ounces

Pros

  • Helps improve hair texture
  • Makes hair manageable and soft
  • Does not leave residue
  • Paraben free
  • Gluten-free

Cons

  • Might weigh down thin hair
  • May not be sulfate-free

Our Tester's Experience

"This shampoo by Paul Mitchell promotes shine and growth, making it easier for me to embrace my natural hair. It smells delightful and does not leave my hair feeling greasy or dry, even on sweaty summer days. I've observed that its effect is identical on both color-treated and natural hair."


protip_icon Quick tip
After shampooing, apply a leave-in conditioner to replenish moisture and prevent drying.

6. Best Paraben Free-Shampoo: Avalon Organics Therapy Thickening Shampoo

4.2
Avalon Organics Therapy Thickening Shampoo Image: Avalon Organics

Get ready to have lustrous tresses with this special formula drugstore shampoo for hair growth that has a perfect blend of biotin B-complex, quinoa protein, saw palmetto, and vitamin E. This 32-ounce bottle of shampoo not only cleanses your hair, it also nourishes it from root to tip and strengthens it. It adds volume and body to thinning hair— thanks to the essential oils and organic botanicals. The tried-and-tested formula deeply conditions the entire hair shaft, leaving it thicker and softer, making it a popular choice among haircare experts. With no animal testing, this EWG-certified organic shampoo contains non-GMO ingredients and has absolutely no parabens, synthetic colors, harsh preservatives, phthalates, or fragrances.

Hair Type: All | Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 3.2 x 3.2 inches | Weight: 2 Pounds

Pros

  • pH-balanced formula
  • Stimulates the scalp
  • Promotes healthy hair growth
  • Suitable for all hair types
  • Vegan-friendly

Cons

  • Hair may feel greasy for some
  • May not suit overstyled hair

Our Tester's Experience

"This shampoo helped my hair look thicker and shinier. The gentle, plant-based formula causes no irritations or itchiness. It not only softens and volumizes hair, but also nourishes and detangles it."


7. Best OI Shampoo For All Hair Types : Davines OI Shampoo

4.5
Davines OI Shampoo Image: Davines

This incredible healthy drugstore shampoo is formulated to give you glossy, shiny hair which is soft, silky, and hydrated. Infused with roucou oil that is rich in antioxidants and beta-carotene, as well as sunflower seed oil and vitamin E, it makes your hair strong and healthy. This hydrating and gentle shampoo is made from naturally sourced ingredients and is free of parabens and sulfates, so it will not dry out or damage your hair but instead keeps it soft and detangled. This nourishing shampoo comes in a 9.47-ounce bottle and is suitable for all hair types, including colored hair.

Hair Type: All | Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 3 inches | Weight: 9.47 Ounces

Pros

  • Controls hair frizz
  • Adds volume to the hair
  • Smoothes the cuticles
  • Lathers well
  • Does not weigh down the hair

Cons

  • Quantity may not be sufficient
  • Some may find the smell unpleasant

Our Tester's Experience

"I've been using this shampoo for a while now, and let me tell you, it works. It leaves the hair clean and soft. The scent may feel strong, but it grows on you, and the luxurious feel really comes through."


8. Best Shampoo For Color-Treated Hair : Hempz Sweet Pineapple & Honey Melon Herbal Volumizing Shampoo

4.4

This color-treated hair shampoo for hair loss is a powerhouse of herbal and natural ingredients like pure hemp seed oil and is efficient at revitalizing and volumizing colored, chemically treated, and thinning hair. Formulated without chemicals, hemp oil is blended along with shea butter, honey melon, and pineapple concentrates that repair your hair.

The combination of antioxidants and the protein in hemp stimulates an anti-frizz and humidity barrier. Available in a 33.8-ounce bottle, this shampoo for thinning hair cleanses it gently and gives your hair more body, bounce, and fullness. It features a candied pineapple and melon scent that keeps your hair smelling fresh with a tropical fragrance. The volumizing shampoo can be used on all hair types and by both men and women.

Hair Type: Color Treated, Fine, Thin | Product Dimensions: 10 x 3 x 3 inches | Weight: 2.4 Pounds

Pros

  • Stimulates hair growth
  • Protects hair from heat
  • Adds moisture
  • Makes hair silky
  • Easy to lather

Cons

  • May not deeply cleanse oily scalp
  • Texture might be thicker than expected

Our Tester's Experience

"This Hempz volumizing shampoo and conditioner left me awestruck. My hair looks incredibly voluminous and smells heavenly. It's an excellent everyday shampoo, and I like the substantial size."


protip_icon Do remember
Always choose a low-sulfate or sulfate-free shampoo specifically formulated for colored hair to prevent washing out of hair color.

9. Best Anti-Frizz Shampoo: Redken Frizz Dismiss Shampoo

4.5

You can say goodbye to annoying frizziness forever with this anti-frizz drugstore shampoo that is extremely gentle on your hair and has a sodium chloride and sulfate-free formula. The unique one-percent smoothing complex of this salon-quality product features sustainably sourced babassu oil as its main ingredient, which offers all-day humidity protection and enhances smoothness and glossiness. With several positive reviews, it comes in a 1000 ml bottle and does a great job of taming your hair.

Hair Type: Frizzy | Product Dimensions: 3.15 x 3.15 x 9.76 inches | Weight: 1 Pounds

Pros

  • Makes hair manageable
  • Mild fragrance
  • pH-balanced formula
  • Suitable for all hair types
  • Suitable for daily use

Cons

  • Some may find it weighing down
  • May have to be used at least twice a week for results

Our Tester's Experience

"I love this shampoo for making my hair smooth and well-textured without using much product. It also manages to keep my hair shiny and clean. The scent is clean and sweet, and I recommend this one for achieving good hair texture."


10. Best Shampoo For Daily Use: Amika Normcore Signature Shampoo

4.5
Amika Normcore Signature Shampoo Image: Amika

If you have been pining for soft, shiny, and hydrated hair, this everyday drugstore shampoo is just the answer to your prayers with its lightweight formula infused with vitamins and antioxidants. Its foamy lather cleanses and hydrates your hair, leaving it fresh, light, and enriched with vitamins and antioxidants. This shampoo contains coconut acid that offers excellent lathering and conditioning, as well as sea buckthorn berry that hydrates, nourishes, and protects your hair, and leaves it with a wonderful fragrance.

It is also packed with 190 biologically active compounds that include vitamins A, C, and E, and high concentrations of omega 7 that comes from the superfruit sea buckthorn berry. This sulfate-free shampoo has been scientifically formulated and is extremely safe for keratin-treated and Brazilian-treated hair. It is also free of artificial colorants, mineral oil, MIT/MCIT, and petrochemicals.

Hair Type: All | Product Dimensions: 1.9 x 1.9 x 9 inches | Weight: 12 Ounces

Pros

  • Safe for color-treated hair
  • Prevents hair breakage
  • Free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates
  • Silicone- and gluten-free
  • Mineral oil-free

Cons

  • Some may find it greasy
  • Might not work for fine hair

Our Tester's Experience

"I've been using this hair product for a few months, and it's now my go-to shampoo. It leaves my hair clean, soft, and smelling wonderful. The bottle design makes getting the product out a bit tricky, yet its results and quality can't be denied."


11. Best Dry Scalp Relief:Baebody Tea Tree Oil Shampoo

If you are suffering from dry hair, dandruff, and an itchy scalp, this shampoo is exactly what you need. This 16-ounce bottle of shampoo removes impurities from the hair and scalp and revives its natural gloss. Tea tree oil is an essential oil that has a soothing and healing effect on your scalp and removes dandruff. The restorative formula of this natural shampoo contains ingredients like argan oil, almond oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, camellia seed oil, avocado oil, hyaluronic acid, retinol, activated charcoal, and botanical keratin. This drugstore shampoo is also paraben-free, sulfate-free, and suitable for most hair types.

Hair Type: All, Oily, Aging, Thin

Pros

  • Helps remove product buildup
  • Provides a deep cleansing effect
  • Does not weigh down
  • Vegan-friendly
  • No animal testing

Cons

  • May find the smell unpleasant
  • Might leave the hair dry for some

12. Best Oil Control Champion:Batiste Dry Shampoo

4.6
Batiste Dry Shampoo Image: Batiste

This innovative, safe drugstore shampoo comes in a pack of three bottles, each containing 6.73 ounces, and rejuvenates your hair, leaving it fresh and clean. This multi-award-winning dry shampoo ensures that you always have a great hair day and gets rid of the excess oil in your hair between regular shampoo days. You no longer have to worry about whether you have time to wash your hair or not, as the innovative formula of this dry shampoo ensures that your hair always looks clean and freshly shampooed with added texture and body.

Hair Type: Dry | Product Dimensions: 1.75 x 1.75 x 8.5 inches | Weight: 1.21 Pounds

Pros

  • Does not make the hair stiff
  • Pleasant smell
  • Does not weigh down the hair
  • Stays effective all-day

Cons

  • May leave a white cast on brown hair
  • Quantity may not be enough

Our Tester's Experience

"This shampoo is great at removing excess oil. Use it at night and wake up to renewed and fresh-smelling hair in the morning."


13. Best Scalp Hydration Expert:LivSo Moisturizing Shampoo

4.2
LivSo Moisturizing Shampoo Image: Livso

The dermatologist-tested product is one of the best drugstore shampoos infused with naturally derived ingredients, moisturizing your scalp and hair. It is scientifically formulated for damaged and dry hair, textured or curly hair, and an itchy and flaky scalp. It is packed with nutrients and contains coconut oil to reduce follicle breakage and offer natural, protective hydration to the hair and scalp. It also contains glycolic acid and alpha-hydroxy acid, which are exfoliating, cleansing agents that help unclog pores and treat dry, flaky scalp, and xylitol, which has natural anti-yeast and anti-fungal properties. Its fresh-smelling lather has subtle hints of lemongrass which leaves you with a moisturized and cleansed feeling.

Product Dimensions: 3.9 x 3.7 x 2.4 inches | Weight: 8.48 Ounces

Pros

  • Non-drying formula
  • Makes hair manageable
  • Sulfate-free formula
  • Free from heavy additives

Cons

  • May leave residue on some hair types
  • Might not promote hair growth

Our Tester's Experience

"I've been using this shampoo for a while now. I love its pleasing scent that doesn't linger. It also visibly reduces flakes and leaves my hair soft."


14. Best Detangling Elixir:Pantene Shampoo Daily Moisture Renewal For Dry Hair

4.5
Pantene Shampoo Daily Moisture Renewal For Dry Hair Image: Pantene

The hydrating Pantene shampoo can help moisturize your dry and color-treated hair. It is infused with antioxidants and Pro-V nutrients to fight damage and moisturize the hair from the root to the tips. Its formula has a rich lather that washes and nourishes the scalp for enhanced hair growth. In addition, the hair product also makes the detangling process easy and leaves an attractive sheen on the strands. The vitamin-infused formula with double the nutrient value can help revitalize your dull hair strands for a healthy, nourished look.

Hair Type: All

Pros

  • Long-lasting effect
  • Free of paraben, colorants, mineral oil, etc.
  • Helps remove scalp buildup
  • Helps maintain the hair’s pH balance

Cons

  • May not be fragrance-free
  • Some may find the consistency watery

Our Tester's Experience

"My bathroom counter now boasts this Pantene shampoo. It's easy to use with its pump and leaves my hair feeling clean and smelling divine. Its excellent performance makes it worth a repurchase."


15. Best Pea Protein:Phillip Adam Shampoo

4.3
Phillip Adam Fragrance-Free Shampoo Image: Phillip Adam

The natural drugstore shampoo contains no harsh chemicals like sulfates, parabens, silicones, harsh preservatives, phthalates, and dyes. This professional-grade sulfate-free shampoo comes with a result-driven formulation and is infused with pea protein and nourishing botanical ingredients for healthy, beautiful, and shiny hair. You will have squeaky clean hair as this shampoo effectively cleanses your scalp and hair of all residue and toxins. The apple cider vinegar in its formula reduces frizz, controls static electricity in hair, and gives you shiny, smooth hair. This fragrance-free shampoo also prevents dandruff and balances the pH of your scalp and hair. It’s suitable for all hair types, including colored hair and sensitive skin.

Hair Type: Frizzy | Product Dimensions: 6.3 x 2.5 x 2.5 inches | Weight: 12 Ounces

Pros

  • Gentle formula
  • Biodegradable
  • Vegan and cruelty-free
  • Gluten- and GMO-free

Cons

  • Might leave residue on some hair types
  • May not be suitable for allergy-prone people

Our Tester's Experience

"Using the Philip Adam shampoo was an ideal solution for cleaning my sensitive scalp. While it did seem pricey at first, I experienced that a little goes a long way. It is fragrance-free and does not cause skin irritation or unwanted reactions."


16. Best Coconut Oil Infusion:Monday Haircare Moisture Shampoo

4.2
Monday Haircare Moisture Shampoo Image: Monday Haircare

You can say goodbye to all your hair woes with this thoughtfully formulated shampoo for dry and damaged hair, which gently cleanses, nourishes, and soothes your hair. It doesn’t matter whether your hair is colored, chemically, or thermally treated, it ensures that your hair stays smooth and glossy. It’s enriched with coconut oil, which is packed with nutritious fatty acids and prevents protein loss, as well as gluten-free hydrolyzed rice protein that boosts collagen production, making it a favorite of many hair health experts. This dermatologically tested 887 ml drugstore shampoo is a vegan and cruelty-free product and is also free of damaging parabens and SLS. It comes packed in a pretty pink recyclable plastic bottle and uses minimal recyclable paper and cardboard.

Hair Type: Frizzy | Product Dimensions: 2.36 x 3.54 x 9.23 inches | Weight: 1.88 Pounds

Pros

  • Weightless formula
  • Reinforces hair follicles
  • Increases moisture retention
  • Strengthens hair

Cons

  • Might make hair oily
  • Might leave residue on some hair types

My Personal Experience

"This shampoo has made a significant difference in my hair health without ripping off moisture from the scalp. It lathers just right, giving me that clean hair feeling. It has a unique scent, which is not my favorite, but the silky after-feel it leaves makes up for it."


17. Best Vegan Solution:Jupiter Balancing Shampoo

4.1
Jupiter Balancing Shampoo Image: Jupiter

One of the best sulfate-free drugstore shampoos that you can hope for, it contains zinc pyrithione as its active ingredient and is rated by Vogue as the Best Dandruff Shampoo. This dry scalp shampoo gets to the root of the problem and instantly alleviates symptoms like flaking, irritation, and itchy scalp. This medicated scalp cleanser also contains decylene glycol, coconut oil, and algae extract and is devoid of harmful substances like parabens, phthalates, and dyes.

The safe and clean formula of this drugstore shampoo prevents white flakes on your head and shoulders and soothes the scalp. This vegan and cruelty-free clean shampoo has a natural fragrance with a hint of vanilla, mint, sage rosemary, lavender, and tangerine. It is safe for all hair types, including chemically treated and colored hair, and is known to reduce hair breakage by 30%.

Hair Type: Oily, All Hair Types, Dry, Chemically Treated, Normal | Product Dimensions: 2.5 x 2.5 x 5.5 inches | Weight: 10.6 Ounces

Pros

  • Helps reduce excess sebum production
  • Removes residue buildup
  • Hydrates and softens the hair
  • Free of synthetic fragrances

Cons

  • Some may find the smell unpleasant
  • May not lather well

Our Tester's Experience

"I'm relieved to find an effective anti-dandruff shampoo. I noticed a difference from the first few washes. My stubborn dandruff has eased off, and thanks to zinc, it helps with dryness. It's mild and smells incredible."


*The prices provided in this article are based on the latest available information. However, they may vary due to changes in pricing by the seller and/or promotional offers.

How To Choose The Right Drugstore Shampoos?

Here are a few pointers you should keep in mind when choosing a drugstore shampoo to get beautiful and lustrous tresses.

  1. Ingredients: This is the very first thing you need to check when choosing a good drugstore shampoo. It should be enriched with hair strengthening and nourishing ingredients like proteins, wheat germ, shea butter, coconut or jojoba oils, glycerin, dimethicone, and avocado oil to name a few.Avoid shampoos with damaging ingredients such as sulfates, sodium chloride, surfactants, alcohol, and parabens.

Sulfates cause the shampoo to lather, but they should be avoided if you have given your hair a color treatment, as they cause the color to fade. UV filters also contribute to keeping your hair vibrant between your visits to the salon. It’s a good idea to check the pH level of the shampoo, which should be between 5.5 and 7, as it affects the moisture retention of your scalp. A lower pH, which is acidic, helps to seal the cuticle, which results in shinier, softer, and less damaged hair.

  1. Hair type: Opt for a shampoo that is especially formulated for wavy, curly, or straight hair as the moisturizer levels will be more appropriate depending on your hair type. A volumizing shampoo is what you need if you have fine, wispy hair, while a protein-rich shampoo is perfect to restore damaged hair.

Curly hair and textured hair do well with softening pre-wash treatments, leave-in conditioners, and co-washing options. Also, you need to get a different shampoo depending on whether your scalp is dry, oily, or normal. If you have dandruff or an itchy scalp, you should opt for a dermatologist-recommended shampoo. Any shampoo that you choose should boost hydration, moisture, and smoothening of your hair.

  1. Shampoo for colored hair: If you have colored hair, opt for a shampoo that’s specifically designed for such hair–the ingredients should be gentle and help preserve hair color. The hair shaft can get weakened as a result of coloring or chemical treatment, and protein-based shampoos with ingredients like silk amino acids, soy extracts, and wheat extracts. Hair that has undergone frequent treatments tends to have oily roots and dry ends, so the best shampoo to use would be for normal hair. Precious Rutlin, a licensed cosmetologist, says, “Avoid shampoos with harsh chemicals, like sulfates, that open up the hair cuticles and lead to color fading. Moreover, look for shampoos that can reverse the effect of hard water on colored hair. Hard water tends to strip the color quickly, resulting in rapid fading. Also, moisturize your hair well and use suitable conditioners and hair masks.”
  1. Other options: You should always keep dry shampoo handy for times that you can’t wash your hair to create different hairstyles and texture. Also, keep switching the formula of your shampoo—a good clarifying shampoo can be used every now and then for a deep cleanse. However, before switching the formula, talk to a hair care expert.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What drugstore shampoos are best for oily hair?

Look for high-quality shampoos that lather well and are formulated with apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil, rosemary oil, Hawaiian awapuhi, and other clarifying and deep-cleaning ingredients.

2. How often should I use drugstore shampoos?

You should use a drugstore shampoo twice a week like any other shampoo. However, if you have oily hair, you might want to shampoo your hair three times a week.

3. Do drugstore shampoos expire?

Yes, like any other shampoo or beauty product, drugstore shampoos expire.

4. Can I use regular shampoo on my curly hair?

Using regular shampoo might damage your curly hair. Therefore, look for shampoos formulated with hydrating ingredients for curly hair types, such as jojoba oil, avocado oil, and vitamin E.

Why Trust MomJunction?

Poulami Nag is a hair and skincare enthusiast and product reviewer who conducts extensive research on the products she recommends by analyzing their user reviews and specifications. She has compiled this list of the best drugstore shampoos for all hair types based on factors such as ingredients and moisturization. She has also created a buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

This list of the best drugstore shampoos for every hair type will cleanse your hair while ensuring it is not stripped of moisture and nutrients. When choosing one for your hair care routine, ensure it is free of harmful chemicals, parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. Further, opt for a shampoo that is appropriate for your hair type and addresses your specific hair concerns, such as hair fall, dandruff, or dry scalp. Using the right shampoo regularly will help you attain shiny, smooth, and healthy-looking hair.

Infographic: Ingredients To Look For And Avoid In Drugstore Shampoos

Shampoos are essential for keeping hair healthy and clean; however, certain ingredients can damage the hair. Therefore, it is essential to check the ingredients of the shampoos when shopping. The infographic below highlights key ingredients that promote healthy hair and certain ingredients that should be avoided.

Drugstore Shampoos Ingredients To Include And Avoid (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version


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